TPL and Toronto Metropolitan University presents activist and politician Peggy Nash, in conversation with Sanjay Ruparelia, on stage and in-person at Toronto Reference Library's Appel Salon space.

Despite the expansion of laws protecting formal equality and important recent strides, women continue to face many barriers to equal political representation in most democracies around the world. Men continue to comprise the majority of elected representatives, cabinet ministers and heads of government. Persistent male bias among many voters, unequal patterns of recruitment and promotion within party organizations, and media representations that promote the voices and perspectives of men are just some of the reasons.

How can women, and other social groups who are marginalized and underrepresented in our political life, break through these systemic barriers? What political strategies, institutional reforms and policy changes are necessary? And how can changing the social composition of our elected representatives and public officials empower our democracies to ensure genuine equality?

Labour rights and social justice activist Peggy Nash explores these questions in conversation with Sanjay Ruparelia.

Q&A and book signing to follow. Books available for purchase.

Arrive early, meet people. The talk starts at 7 pm, but doors open at 6 pm. Come early so you can chat with your fellow literature lovers, and make new friends. As with all Appel Salon events, we'll have a cash bar with a selection of beer, wine, and liquor, as well as sandwiches and snacks.

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Read More:

About Peggy Nash

About Sanjay Ruparelia

Books by Peggy Nash:

Women Winning Office: An Activist's Guide to Getting Elected

Books by Sanjay Ruparelia:

Divided We Govern: Coalition Politics in India

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About the series:

On the Frontlines of Democracy is a new public lecture series to analyze its prospects in the twenty-first century. Around the world, democracies face serious challenges, old and new. Can we protect our constitutional democracies in an era of popular mistrust, severe partisanship and resurgent nationalism? Can they reduce inequalities of power, wealth and status, defend deep diversity and confront climate change in the new digital age? Can we develop innovative strategies to revitalize civic engagement and empower public institutions to renew the promise of collective self-rule? And what can Canada offer, learn and do to promote the prospects of democracy, in a spirit of mutual learning, in our post-western world?______________________________________________________________________________________________

This event is part of our On Civil Society series.

Generously supported in part by Chris M. Reid

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Note: This is an in-person event at the Appel Salon, Toronto Reference Library (789 Yonge Street). This event will not be live streamed but the replay will be made available to watch on TPL’s YouTube channel.

Check here for the latest COVID-19 health and safety policies at Toronto Public Library. This information is subject to change. Please check back for the most up-to-date information before attending the event.

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Accessibility at Toronto Public Library

We are committed to making our content accessible to as many Torontonians as possible. Please call or email us if you are Deaf or have a disability and would like to request accommodation to participate in this program. Please let us know as far in advance as possible and we will do our best to meet your request. At least three weeks’ notice is preferred. Phone 416-393-7099 or email accessibleservices@tpl.ca